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volunteer Opportunities
Second Chance Volunteers Opens Door to Community-wide service opportunities!
Second Chance Volunteers Launches Community Volunteer Days
Second Chance Volunteers will be opening up volunteer opportunities twice a month to the entire community—not just for those fulfilling court-mandated community service hours!
Whether you’re passionate about giving back, building community connections, or simply want to lend a helping hand, we welcome you to join us in making a difference.
Volunteer Opportunities Calendar
RSVP for Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
You can now RSVP for upcoming volunteer opportunities directly through our website.
Simply select the event you're interested in, fill out the RSVP form, and you'll receive an email confirmation. Whether you're a returning volunteer or joining us for the time, your RSVP helps us prepare materials, supplies, and accommodations.
RSVP today!
children's book collection & sorting day
Due to the uncertainty of today’s weather, we shortened our volunteer project from three hours to two. Although Derek was our only volunteer today, we are incredibly grateful that he showed up and helped us make the most of our time.
Today’s project included sorting children’s books and preparing Fresh Start Kits for our community.
A special thank you to our returning volunteer for lending a helping hand. Your continued support, reliability, and willingness to give back are truly appreciated.
Sometimes it only takes one person willing to show up and help to make a difference.
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Join us this Sunday for our Children’s Book Collection & Sorting Day!
Second Chance Volunteers will collect and sort new or gently used children’s books for our Family Connection Book Project, supporting families impacted by incarceration.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Stamford Government Center
888 Washington Blvd., 6th Floor
Stamford, CT
We welcome board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books. Volunteers will help sort donations by age and reading level.
Can’t stay? Drop-and-go donations are welcome! Every book helps strengthen connection, literacy, and family bonding.
Support Our Veterans: Help Us Keep Them Warm This Season!
Today was an amazing day!
We had the honor of giving out our Warm Hearts for Heroes bags to veterans in our community.
A special thank you to the wonderful Second Chance Volunteers who helped create and assemble each bag with care. Every hat, pair of gloves, and pair of socks was prepared with appreciation for those who have served.
We are grateful for the opportunity to give back and show our veterans that they are remembered, valued, and appreciated.
Today’s Warm Hearts for Heroes event has been canceled due to flooding. For everyone’s safety, please avoid unnecessary travel.
Our donation drop-off is still available at Venture X in Greenwich during regular business hours through September 17 for new hats, gloves, and socks.
Thank you for continuing to support our local veterans.
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VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Thank you to everyone who signed up to volunteer for our Warm Hearts for Heroes Final Collection & Packing Day!
Although our volunteer list is full, donation drop-offs are still welcome. No RSVP is required to donate.
Sunday event drop-off: September 13, 2026
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
888 Washington Boulevard
6th Floor Training Room
Stamford, CT
Weekday drop-off location: Venture X Greenwich
200 Pemberwick Road, 2nd Floor
Greenwich, CT 06831
Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Last day to donate: September 17, 2026
We are collecting new hats, gloves, and socks only to support local veterans attending CT Stand Down 2026.
Thank you for supporting our veterans!
Community Gardening at Fairgate Farm
Community Roots in Action!
Today, Second Chance Volunteers returned to Fairgate Farm for our Community Roots: Gardening & Beautification Day!
A special thank-you to our volunteers Natallie and Derek, who came out this morning and did an amazing job helping with hands-on garden work. From cutting back plants and clearing garden areas to helping care for the growing space, they jumped right in and worked hard throughout the project.
Sometimes making an impact doesn’t require a huge group—it takes people who are willing to show up, lend a hand, and serve their community.
Thank you, Natallie and Derek, for giving your time and energy today, and thank you to Fairgate Farm for providing another meaningful opportunity for our volunteers to serve.
Hi everyone!
Unfortunately, our scheduled volunteer opportunity at the New Covenant Center Food Pantry has been canceled.
We will now be returning to our original volunteer location at Fairgate Farm tomorrow, Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Location: 129 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
Please disregard the previous location change to the food pantry.
Thank you so much for your flexibility and understanding!
We’re still looking forward to a great volunteer morning together.
— Second Chance Volunteers
We need your books!
615 BOOKS SORTED!
Today was a wonderful day at our Book Drive & Sorting Day!
With the help of 4 amazing volunteers, we sorted a total of 615 children’s books by age group, helping us prepare them for the children and families the
y will eventually support.
We are so grateful to everyone who volunteered their time today. What may look like sorting books is really helping us make sure the right books reach the right little readers.
Thank you to our volunteers for another successful day of service!
WE NEED YOUR BOOKS
Supporting our Family Connection Book Project for families impacted by incarceration.
Drop-off this Sunday
Can’t stay? Just Drop & Go!
Warm hearts for heroes
Today was a wonderful day of service!
Our volunteers came together to prepare Warm Hearts for Heroes care bags for local veterans. After finishing the assembly ahead of schedule, we added an extra personal touch—our volunteers wrote individual messages of appreciation and encouragement
on the bags for the veterans who will receive them.
From “Thank you for your service” to “You’re awesome,” each message was written with gratitude and meant to remind our veterans that their service and sacrifice are appreciated.
A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers for giving their time, creativity, and energy to make today such a success.
We’re excited to share these bags with veterans at the upcoming Stand Down event!
We’re getting ready to support our local veterans!
On Sunday, August 23, Second Chance Volunteers, Inc. will be collecting NEW hats, gloves, and socks to help ensure veterans in our community are prepared for the colder months ahead.
Items collected during our Warm Hearts for Heroes Veterans Donation Drive are being prepared to support veterans in connection with the upcoming CT Department of Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2026 in September.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT
6th Floor Training Room
Donation drop-off will be available in the lobby.
Although summer is still here, we’re preparing before the cold weather arrives.
Every hat. Every pair of gloves. Every pair of socks.
Every donation makes a difference.
Let’s help our veterans stay warm.
CLOTHING & TOY DRIVE
Today was all about teamwork and community impact!
Our Second Chance Volunteers came together for our Clothing Sorting Day, helping us sort and organize previously donated clothing so that it can be prepared for distribution to individuals and families in need.
What started as bags of donated clothing quickly became an organized collection thanks to the time, care, and hard work of our amazing volunteers.
We started the morning with a little breakfast and then got right to work.
Look at what we accomplished together!
A huge THANK YOU to our volunteers for showing up, lending a hand, and helping us continue turning community generosity into meaningful support.
Help us support women and children in our community by donating new or gently used clothing and toys.
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: 888 Washington Blvd.
6th Floor Training Room
Stamford, CT
We Are Collecting: For Women
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Professional and workplace-appropriate clothing
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Dresses, blouses, skirts, pants, blazers, and suits
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New or gently used clothing in clean, appropriate condition
For Children
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New or gently used clothing
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New or gently used toys in clean, safe condition
Please donate items that are clean, appropriate, and ready to be given directly to someone in need.
RSVP is required to volunteer.
Donation drop-offs are welcome during the event. Our team will be available in the building lobby to accept donations.
Community Gardening & Produce Distribution at Fairgate Farm
Today, our volunteers had an amazing time giving back, learning about the farm, and helping with harvesting and gardening activities.
A special thank you to Fairgate Farm for welcoming our volunteers and giving them the opportunity to serve.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Join Second Chance Volunteers for a hands-on community service opportunity at Fairgate Farm.
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location:
Fairgate Farm
129 Stillwater Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
Volunteers May Help With:
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Gardening and general farm support
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Preparing fresh produce for distribution
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Handing out vegetables to members of the public
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Assisting with other community farm activities as needed
Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor work.
RSVP is required to volunteer.
Second Chance Volunteers, Inc.
Connecting Communities Through Service.
Fresh Start Kits Assembly Day
Fresh Start Kits — Delivered!
Today, Second Chance Volunteers had the pleasure of dropping off Fresh Start Kits to the Family ReEntry Recovery Community Center in Bridgeport, CT.
During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Luz, who helps oversee many of the center’s programs serving women. It was wonderful connecting with her and learning more about the work being done to support women within the community.
These kits were assembled with care by our amazing volunteers and include everyday essentials intended to provide a little extra support to individuals working toward a fresh start.
A huge thank you to our volunteers and supporters who continue to make projects like this possible. From assembling the kits to getting them into the hands of community partners.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers!
Today marked our final Fresh Start Kits Assembly Day, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible volunteers who helped make it such a success.Together, we assembled over 200 Fresh Start Kits that will soon be distributed to individuals in need throughout our community.
A special thank you to Willie, Bryan, and Rashad for generously volunteering your time, energy, and compassion. Your willingness to serve is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.We would also like to extend a special thank you to Bryan and Rashad for donating children’s books to support our Family Connection Book Project. Your generosity will help bring the joy of reading and strengthen family connections, one book at a time.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our Fresh Start Kits project this season. Whether you donated supplies, volunteered, or encouraged our mission, you are part of this impact.Together, we’re creating second chances and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Fresh Start Kits Assembly Day
Today, volunteers came together to assemble Fresh Start Kits that will support individuals working toward a fresh start. Every kit packed today represents hope, encouragement, and the belief that people deserve opportunities to move forward.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, volunteered, donated, and continues to support this mission. We couldn’t do it without you.
IMPORTANT EVENT UPDATE!
Due to a scheduling change, our Fresh Start Kits Assembly Day has been moved to:
Sunday, June 14, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT
6th Floor Training Room
All other event details remain the same.
We did it!
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1,044 books collected!
This was a COMMUNITY effort.
Thank you to everyone who donated books, spread the word, and believed in this mission. Your support is creating real moments of connection between mothers and their children.
We are beyond grateful.
Last Call for Children’s Book Donations
We’re in the final stretch of our Family Connection Book Project.
This Mother’s Day, help us make an impact for mothers who are working to stay connected with their children through the power of reading.
Every book donated helps create a meaningful moment between a mother and her child.
Call us to arrange drop-off: (855) 414-4440
Final drop-off date: May 3rd
Delivery: May 4th
Community beach cleanup at cove island park
Don’t worry—more opportunities are coming.
New Date Announced!
We’re happy to share that our rescheduled event will now take place on Sunday, April 26th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
Thank you for your understanding
We’re excited to share that this event is in collaboration with SoundWaters Coastal Education Center
Join Second Chance Volunteers Inc. for a community beach cleanup at Cove Island Park focused on environmental action, education, and giving back to our shoreline.
Saturday, April 25
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT
How to Participate?
To join this event, registration is required. Please complete our volunteer form in advance to confirm your participation.
Open to the community | Volunteer hours available | All cleanup supplies will be provided
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update!
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March Madness for a Meaningful Cause!
Join us on March 21 for a community book sorting event supporting the Family Connection Book Project.
Stamford Government Center
888 Washington Blvd- 4th Fl Cafe
Stamford, CT
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bring 1–2 children’s books and help us reach our goal of 1,000 books for children with mothers at York Correctional Institution.
612 books collected so far!
Because every child deserves a story with their mother.
crossing the finish line: Thank you to our book donors
Family Connection Book Project – Book Sorting Day
Today was a meaningful day for Second Chance Volunteers.
With the help of our volunteer Daisy, who brought books she collected, and our new corporate partners from DoubleTree by Hilton, we spent the day sorting children’s books for the Family Connection Book Project.
Together we counted 612 books that will help children stay connected with their mothers through the power of reading.
Our goal is to reach 1,000 books, and we are now only 388 books away.
Every book represents love, connection, and a reminder to a child that their mother is still thinking of them.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support this mission.
Black History Month Event
We are excited to share that UConn Stamford Campus is supporting our Family Connection Book Project this Black History Month.
We are honored that the local UConn campus is hosting a book drive to benefit Second Chance Volunteers Inc. Through the Family Connection Book Project, we help incarcerated mothers maintain vital bonds with their children through the power of reading.
If you are attending the event, please consider donating:
- Board books
- Infant books (0–12 months)
- Read-to-me books (ages 0–6)
Thank you for your support!
Valentine's Care Bag Assembly Event!
We need volunteers!
This Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing love through service.
Volunteers will help assemble Valentine’s Day Care Bags for Meals on Wheels recipients, spreading warmth and kindness to seniors in our community. We’ll also be preparing Fresh Start Care Bags for individuals reentering the community, offering encouragement and support during their next chapter.
Any remaining care bags will be donated to the Family ReEntry Recovery Community Center in Bridgeport, ensuring our impact reaches even further.
Saturday, February 7th
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
888 Washington Blvd
4th Floor cafe
Stamford, CT 06902
Free parking | Light lunch provided
Love looks like care. Love looks like community.
Today, our Valentine’s Care Bags were delivered to Catholic Charities of Fairfield County – Meals on Wheels/New Covenant Center in Stamford, CT. Additionally, our Fresh Start Kits were dropped off at the Family ReEntry Recovery Community Center in Bridgeport to support individuals rebuilding their lives.
We are proud to offer volunteer opportunities once a month to all community members, including those completing court-mandated community service hours. We believe that service can be a powerful pathway to healing, growth, and second chances.
Family Connection Book Project
Children's Book Drive
Have children’s books to donate?
Stop by and drop them off!
We’re collecting children’s books to support The Storybook Project at York Correctional Institution.
Your donated books help strengthen the bond between incarcerated mothers and their children through the power of reading.
Please hand books directly to a Second Chance Volunteers Inc. team member wearing an organization shirt.
Drop-off Location:
888 Washington Blvd,
4th Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
(Lobby drop-off available)
Sunday, January 18, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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A heartfelt thank you to Lorrie of Books4Everyone for her generous donation and continued commitment to literacy.
Through her volunteer work, books reach community spaces like Fairgate Farm, local educators, the Boys & Girls Club, and families across Fairfield County.
Senior Care Bags
We are thrilled to announce the completion of our Care Bags project! Today, we delivered the bags to Catholic Charities for Meals on Wheels and New Covenant Center, supporting seniors in our community We are grateful for the opportunity to serve!
Warm Hearts for Heroes
Seasonal
Items donated January 2026 to the Stamford Veterans Resource Center
Warm Hearts for Heroes launched January 2026, with our first successful drop-off providing essential items such as hats, gloves and water bottles to veterans in our community.
This initial effort marked the beginning of a meaningful initiative rooted in compassion and service. With the support of new funding, Second Chance Volunteers Inc. is expanding this program to provide additional items and reach more veterans.
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Help donate a book help rebuild a bond
a salute to our veterans
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A total of over 200 care bags will be distributed to: west Haven VA medical center in west haven, ct
a total of 50 care bags will be distributed to: The Stamford resource center in Stamford, ct
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Join Us for Our 1st Annual Beach Cleanup!
Hosted by Second Chance Volunteers
Date: Saturday, May 17th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Cove Island Beach, Stamford, CT
Come be a part of something meaningful! Join us as we clean up Cove Island Beach and give back to our beautiful community.
Supplies will be provided — just bring yourself and wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor work.
Please Note:
Sign-up is required due to limited parking permits.
To reserve your spot, email Elaina Hunte at
elainah@secondchancevolunteers.org
Have questions? Reach out anytime — we’d love to hear from you!
Let’s make an impact, together.
Looking to Volunteer for Earth Day?
Join Second Chance Volunteers for a hands-on community project in honor of Earth Day!
📍 Location: Fairgate Farm, 129 Stillwater Ave, Stamford, CT
📅 Date: Saturday, April 19th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Get involved in meaningful work while learning about sustainable farming and gardening. It’s a great opportunity to give back, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors!
Bonus: You’ll also have the chance to purchase fresh, locally grown produce at Fairgate Farm’s “Pay What You Can” market. Even if that's $0!
All are welcome—no experience necessary!
Come ready to dig in, learn, and celebrate the Earth with us!
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What an amazing volunteer experience! There was so much to learn, and the best part was being able to bag fresh produce and distribute it to the community. Volunteers were also able to take home fresh produce as a reward their hard work. allowed to take fresh produce as well. It was amazing to see everything come full circle. The turnout for the giveaway was great, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference!
